Week 3 Reading

Week 3 Reading – Computational Design Thinking

Computation is viewed as a dominant tool which allows one’s mind to express them to a computer system. Graphic computers came into view in the 1960s and were questioned to whether the computers are able, or should mimic the human mind. However during that period, society tried to convince themselves that computer systems would be an entity that allows the intellect of humans to be expanded.

When a designer is to apply some form of design into the computer system, the designer also needs to comply with the fact that he/she needs to set out rules in regards to the how the form or functionality the object is desired. The computational design approach primarily targets on the variety of methods that can be applied when designing complex models in different environment. The process of design is brought down to two states; the functionality and the content. In other words, the functionalities are the rules or parameters with the design and the material within the design influences the outcome. 

Like technology, computation processes are also growing and expanding which in turn leads to undiscovered paths and possibilities. However, the computer system cannot simply function without the designer stating the specific description and form of the design. Therefore, the foundations of knowledge in relation to computational design need to be present in order to fully and effectively use computational design.

Reference: Menges, Archim, Introduction, Computational Design Thinking(2011): pp 10-29